@mambo5-2 i'm so sorry. having to wait, especially when you were expecting to get things started, is just the worst. this of course is not going to help you right now, but june will be here before you know it. in the meantime, do what else you can do to be in the best position for your retrieval. the eggs you'll be growing in june are already being formed by your body right now as antral follicles, so in a sense you can think about this april-may period as the extended part of your cycle.
@kiki047 i never responded to your story about the retrieval, but uuuugh to waking up mid-retrieval and then dealing with the hangover from the "extra" they must have given you to knock you back out again. what a weird (and bad) trip. i'm looking forward to hearing about your most recent update, though! please update us soon!
AFM, I finally got the last of my drugs ordered, and AF arrived today so i'm due to get started with the nuvaring in a couple of days, and then i'll spend 3 weeks on that before the "real fun" begins. I'm changing multiple variables this time around (omnitrope priming and a microdose lupron cycle) so on the one hand i'm super interested to see what, if anything, changes. on the other hand the scholarly part of my brain is super annoyed that there are two variables and thus i won't be able to know what made the difference, if indeed i get better (or worse) results.
History
I am doing this on my own. Left ovary and fallopian tube removed due to cyst/necrosis just after birth. Right ovary and tube still purport to function.
Began TTC in Aug '18 @ age 35
5 or 6 (or 7?!) cycles using frozen donor sperm, ICI. All BFN
Mar-Jun '19 IUIs, all BFN
Began process of referral for RE in spring of '19, blood tests confirm low AMH (.54) but all else is good.
May '19 HSG shows open tube, but ultrasound suggests fibroids
MRI in June '19 confirms two large fibroids, one growing through wall of uterus
In June '19 I move from California to Oregon, disrupting my insurance, referrals, etc. 5 months spent piecing it all back together.
Nov. '19 attempted myomectomy (vaginal approach) failed. 2nd surgery using laparoscopic method in Jan '20 is successful.
April '20 --> June '20, natural IUIs, all BFN.
July? saline ultrasound and bubble test demonstrate open tube
July '20 clomid cycle cancelled for thin lining
Aug-Oct, 3 femara cycles, all BFN
RE referral. While waiting to set up an appointment Nov-Jan,I continue with natural cycles and ICI, using a known donor, BFN...
Jan '21 more bloodwork, AMH is worse (.30), FSH high albeit not catastrophic at 13.2. hysteroscopy all good. "looks cozy!" says the RE.
Feb '21, injectables (menopur, novarel), iui, BFN (doc said the frozen donor sperm sample had the "best numbers she'd ever seen!")
Mar '21, injectables, iui cancelled due to lack of follicles, converted to at home-insem. BFN
May '21, first IVF round cancelled due to cyst.
July '21 IVF: standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 7; 6 days of stims. 8 eggs retrieved, 7 mature, 5 fertilize, 4 made it to blast. 3 are 4AB, 1 is 4BB. PGT-A results all abnormal. Oct '21 somewhat improved AMH (.51) and significantly improved FSH (8.9). Maybe it's all the pills I swallow. Dec -21, standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 5; 11 days of stims. retrieval yields 5, 4M, 2 reach day-6 blast (4AB & 4BB). 1 low-level mosaic (chr. 3 deletion), 1 complex abnormal. Feb '22 FET (low-level mosaic): CP. May '22 egg retrieval, lupron flare protocol. HGH priming for 1 month before stims; md lupron 20/20u daily; menopur 225, follistim 225, 10k trigger after 8 days of stims; AFC 10; 13 retrieved; 10 mature; 8 fertilized. All frozen at 2PN for later thaw, grow, and biopsy. July '22 egg retrieval same protocol: 9 days of stims; AFC 8; 10 retrieved, 8 mature, 4 fertilized and frozen. Sept '22 ER same protocol: AFC 10; 12 retrieved, 11 mature, 11 fertilized. From the 3 retrievals, 7 survived to day 5-6 blastocyst, from which I have 2 normal embryos! Jan 20, Fully medicated FET, baby aspirin, dexamethasone, acupuncture, and as much woo as I can stand (which isn't very much). BFN. July 23, Natural FET + baby aspirin. BFN.
Finally have a quiet moment at work so I'm using it to do my tags. These are in no particular order...
@optimistgardener ooh ooh friend, it sounds like we're going to be doing microdose lupron protocols right around the same time (I start May 6th), but for two entirely different reasons. Iiinteresting! I'm excited that your next round is finally here, after feeling like this was way way off in the distance, like a tiny dot on the horizon. Keeping everything crossed for this cycle. FWIW, I've heard of some really good results from the omnitrope priming in my social media circles. @gingermama29 oh yay, glad you were able to trigger without any other cyst drama. FX!! Also, your attic/craft room reno looks amazing so far. Great job! That'll be such an awesome space for you when it's all finished. @tryingktogku that's so annoying that your body is stubbornly refusing to ovulate. I've been there, and it's frustrating. As others have mentioned, clomid does build up in the body over time so hopefully it'll work for you next cycle. You mentioned letrozole isn't an option, have you tried it before or your clinic won't use it...? Often letrozole works better for women with PCOS, but that's not always the case. @mambo5-2 tbh, I know you were hoping for answers from the tests but at the end of the day it's still a good thing you don't have a genetic clotting disorder after all. I may have "answers" for the primary cause of my infertility (PCOS, some MFI) but we don't have a clear answer and therefore no clear treatment plan for my RIF and it's maddening. So much of this process is just trial and error. Hopefully you'll keep learning more about what's going on as you move through the IVF process. It'll be here before you know it. @bearmomma1 +1 for period from hell. Post-IVF periods are murderous and angry, and therefore my mood mimicked those sentiments. How did your US go on Monday? @anniemarie887 I'm Meredith Grey-sighing to your ever-so-slowly dropping betas... Dunno if you're a Greys fan but I'm feeling all her dark and twisty energy these days, knowing that I'll eventually come back. @abjm0325 I'm snort-laughing at your visual of optimist's sweet little velour-clad ovary on a park bench Also, +1 to doing what YOU need to do for work. Completely understand feeling responsible after your boss up and left but that didn't have anything to do with you.
AFM, ugh, yes, the anesthesia stuff was pretty messed up. Thankfully I didn't feel anything when I woke up in the middle, I just have some hazy memories of looking around and then everything went black again. No harm no foul, other than being a tiny bit traumatized every time it happens.
I went in for my baseline yesterday and we're adding something new this time. I'm on BCP for 3 weeks, then we overlap with microdose lupron starting in the last 4 days of BCP and continuing for ~2 weeks, after which we'll add back in the same protocol I was on for my last FET (estradiol, PIO - castor oil this time instead of ethyl oleate, 15mg prednisone, BA, Fragmin, Neupogen, PRP, intralipids, HCG wash, embryo glue).
We got our Day 6 results, and we're happy with how things are going so far:
Of the 16 fertilized eggs, they were able to biopsy and freeze 7 on Days 5/6, and they're watching 6 more through to today. 3 have definitely arrested. They're one of the few clinics in the world that are continuing to let them grow to Day 7, which I'm told has not significantly decreased implantation or live birth rates but it has increased #s of blastocysts. I'm trusting my RE on this. Our last round we got all Day 6 or 7 embryos as well. And since he does his retrievals quite late in the day (3-5pm), technically those embryos are only like 5.5/6/5 days. My first 2 ERs were at 6am.
We're hoping to have around 8-10 to send for PGT-A testing again. Results should take about 2-3 weeks.
@abjm0325 to answer your question, IVF attrition rates are brutal and ruthless - they say 80% of retrieved eggs should be mature, of which 60-80% might fertilize. I think the rate of fertilized eggs that make it to Day 3 (which is in the 6-8 cell range) is fairly high, but then only 30-50% of those will make it to Day 5/6 when they become blastocysts. Of that, depending on age, 30-50% of the blastocysts will be PGT-A normal (euploid). I'm 35, so they say 50% should be euploid and we've found that to be pretty much the case for us so far. My full IVF history is in my siggy but I'm hoping for 4-5 euploid when all is said and done.
TTC History:
Me: 36 MH: 39, TTC since Dec 2017
Aug '18: PCOS dx
Nov '18: MH SA - 19mil
Dec '18-Mar '19: Letrozole + TI - all BFN
Apr '19: Letrozole + TI, - BFN. Repeat SA (27mil) & DNA fragmentation test (17%)
@kiki047 those sound like good numbers, hopefully the time passes quickly for results.
We have to decide if we are going to do PGT-A testing. I am thinking no but I waffle on this regularly. My RE says I don't need to.
Spoiler for History
Me - 30 DH - 32
April 2009 - 8+ week MC January 2012 - BFP - DS Born 10/21/2012 May 2013 - BFP - Twins MMC @ 13 weeks D&C Oct 2013 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks Dec 2013 - BFP DD Born 8/16/14 - Cholestasis at 36+5 Nov 2016 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks Dec 2016 - BFP DD Born 6/19/17 @ 28+4 Severe Pre-E, IUGR, Cholestasis Nov 2017 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks Jan 2017 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks Jan 2019 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks DH Vasectomy Aug 2019 Feb 2022 - TTC #4 with IVF - RPL testing Protein C and S Deficiency - Blood Thinners for Treatment - Maybe we don't know! June 2022 - IVF - 2 embryos - 1 transfered 6/22/22 - Transfer Failed July 2022 - FET
@kiki047 i'd been hoping for good numbers on your retrieval- those are great! fx for the slowpokes to catch up.
@mambo5-2 out of curiosity what would your reasons be for doing pgt-a? i see you're not yet 30, which for most women is good enough reason to not bother with it and is probably why your RE is not recommending it. Do you have reason to think the RPL has a chromosomal component?
History
I am doing this on my own. Left ovary and fallopian tube removed due to cyst/necrosis just after birth. Right ovary and tube still purport to function.
Began TTC in Aug '18 @ age 35
5 or 6 (or 7?!) cycles using frozen donor sperm, ICI. All BFN
Mar-Jun '19 IUIs, all BFN
Began process of referral for RE in spring of '19, blood tests confirm low AMH (.54) but all else is good.
May '19 HSG shows open tube, but ultrasound suggests fibroids
MRI in June '19 confirms two large fibroids, one growing through wall of uterus
In June '19 I move from California to Oregon, disrupting my insurance, referrals, etc. 5 months spent piecing it all back together.
Nov. '19 attempted myomectomy (vaginal approach) failed. 2nd surgery using laparoscopic method in Jan '20 is successful.
April '20 --> June '20, natural IUIs, all BFN.
July? saline ultrasound and bubble test demonstrate open tube
July '20 clomid cycle cancelled for thin lining
Aug-Oct, 3 femara cycles, all BFN
RE referral. While waiting to set up an appointment Nov-Jan,I continue with natural cycles and ICI, using a known donor, BFN...
Jan '21 more bloodwork, AMH is worse (.30), FSH high albeit not catastrophic at 13.2. hysteroscopy all good. "looks cozy!" says the RE.
Feb '21, injectables (menopur, novarel), iui, BFN (doc said the frozen donor sperm sample had the "best numbers she'd ever seen!")
Mar '21, injectables, iui cancelled due to lack of follicles, converted to at home-insem. BFN
May '21, first IVF round cancelled due to cyst.
July '21 IVF: standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 7; 6 days of stims. 8 eggs retrieved, 7 mature, 5 fertilize, 4 made it to blast. 3 are 4AB, 1 is 4BB. PGT-A results all abnormal. Oct '21 somewhat improved AMH (.51) and significantly improved FSH (8.9). Maybe it's all the pills I swallow. Dec -21, standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 5; 11 days of stims. retrieval yields 5, 4M, 2 reach day-6 blast (4AB & 4BB). 1 low-level mosaic (chr. 3 deletion), 1 complex abnormal. Feb '22 FET (low-level mosaic): CP. May '22 egg retrieval, lupron flare protocol. HGH priming for 1 month before stims; md lupron 20/20u daily; menopur 225, follistim 225, 10k trigger after 8 days of stims; AFC 10; 13 retrieved; 10 mature; 8 fertilized. All frozen at 2PN for later thaw, grow, and biopsy. July '22 egg retrieval same protocol: 9 days of stims; AFC 8; 10 retrieved, 8 mature, 4 fertilized and frozen. Sept '22 ER same protocol: AFC 10; 12 retrieved, 11 mature, 11 fertilized. From the 3 retrievals, 7 survived to day 5-6 blastocyst, from which I have 2 normal embryos! Jan 20, Fully medicated FET, baby aspirin, dexamethasone, acupuncture, and as much woo as I can stand (which isn't very much). BFN. July 23, Natural FET + baby aspirin. BFN.
@kiki047 sounds like a pretty solid protocol to me however I’m not too savvy in the IVF world as I just can’t let my mind wander there because it’s not something we are currently considering. From what you’ve shared you’ve had a good retrieval tho (not the process but the outcome lol) hopefully more than 50% come back euploid for you!
Letrozole just isn’t an option for me right now but it may be in 6ish months! (Exit to add clomid is first line treatment with our clinic and ya basically have to do 6 cycles before they will move into other things which I know I know very old school but it’s all I’ve got to work with) I am hoping the increased dose of clomid paired with metformin will be enough though! It is very frustrating when your body won’t ovulate even when you are tinkering with it with meds to try and force it.
@optimistgardener the big reasons are I'm not 30 yet, cost, and knowing that an embryo is normal still doesn't guarantee success. I really have no reason to believe that my RPL is chromosome related and the RE doesn't think so either.
Spoiler for History
Me - 30 DH - 32
April 2009 - 8+ week MC January 2012 - BFP - DS Born 10/21/2012 May 2013 - BFP - Twins MMC @ 13 weeks D&C Oct 2013 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks Dec 2013 - BFP DD Born 8/16/14 - Cholestasis at 36+5 Nov 2016 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks Dec 2016 - BFP DD Born 6/19/17 @ 28+4 Severe Pre-E, IUGR, Cholestasis Nov 2017 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks Jan 2017 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks Jan 2019 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks DH Vasectomy Aug 2019 Feb 2022 - TTC #4 with IVF - RPL testing Protein C and S Deficiency - Blood Thinners for Treatment - Maybe we don't know! June 2022 - IVF - 2 embryos - 1 transfered 6/22/22 - Transfer Failed July 2022 - FET
@mambo5-2 yeah i think in your shoes i would probably not do pgt-a. but i would understand if you wanted to have the added confidence that the embryo you transfer is euploid.
History
I am doing this on my own. Left ovary and fallopian tube removed due to cyst/necrosis just after birth. Right ovary and tube still purport to function.
Began TTC in Aug '18 @ age 35
5 or 6 (or 7?!) cycles using frozen donor sperm, ICI. All BFN
Mar-Jun '19 IUIs, all BFN
Began process of referral for RE in spring of '19, blood tests confirm low AMH (.54) but all else is good.
May '19 HSG shows open tube, but ultrasound suggests fibroids
MRI in June '19 confirms two large fibroids, one growing through wall of uterus
In June '19 I move from California to Oregon, disrupting my insurance, referrals, etc. 5 months spent piecing it all back together.
Nov. '19 attempted myomectomy (vaginal approach) failed. 2nd surgery using laparoscopic method in Jan '20 is successful.
April '20 --> June '20, natural IUIs, all BFN.
July? saline ultrasound and bubble test demonstrate open tube
July '20 clomid cycle cancelled for thin lining
Aug-Oct, 3 femara cycles, all BFN
RE referral. While waiting to set up an appointment Nov-Jan,I continue with natural cycles and ICI, using a known donor, BFN...
Jan '21 more bloodwork, AMH is worse (.30), FSH high albeit not catastrophic at 13.2. hysteroscopy all good. "looks cozy!" says the RE.
Feb '21, injectables (menopur, novarel), iui, BFN (doc said the frozen donor sperm sample had the "best numbers she'd ever seen!")
Mar '21, injectables, iui cancelled due to lack of follicles, converted to at home-insem. BFN
May '21, first IVF round cancelled due to cyst.
July '21 IVF: standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 7; 6 days of stims. 8 eggs retrieved, 7 mature, 5 fertilize, 4 made it to blast. 3 are 4AB, 1 is 4BB. PGT-A results all abnormal. Oct '21 somewhat improved AMH (.51) and significantly improved FSH (8.9). Maybe it's all the pills I swallow. Dec -21, standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 5; 11 days of stims. retrieval yields 5, 4M, 2 reach day-6 blast (4AB & 4BB). 1 low-level mosaic (chr. 3 deletion), 1 complex abnormal. Feb '22 FET (low-level mosaic): CP. May '22 egg retrieval, lupron flare protocol. HGH priming for 1 month before stims; md lupron 20/20u daily; menopur 225, follistim 225, 10k trigger after 8 days of stims; AFC 10; 13 retrieved; 10 mature; 8 fertilized. All frozen at 2PN for later thaw, grow, and biopsy. July '22 egg retrieval same protocol: 9 days of stims; AFC 8; 10 retrieved, 8 mature, 4 fertilized and frozen. Sept '22 ER same protocol: AFC 10; 12 retrieved, 11 mature, 11 fertilized. From the 3 retrievals, 7 survived to day 5-6 blastocyst, from which I have 2 normal embryos! Jan 20, Fully medicated FET, baby aspirin, dexamethasone, acupuncture, and as much woo as I can stand (which isn't very much). BFN. July 23, Natural FET + baby aspirin. BFN.
@mambo5-2 personally, if it was a matter of not knowing the cause of your MCs, I would do PGT-A because at least you can rule out aneuploidy as a possibility. That said, you're right, it's not a sure thing and it can be a lot of money on top of an already costly process. In our case, since we know we have difficulty getting and staying pregnant, we want the added assurance of the PGT so we're not left wondering if it was the embryo.
The good news is we were able to biopsy and freeze 4 more, for a total of 11! I'm very happy with this result, it's 2 more than we got last time, and more than I ever expected to get. Now we cross all our fingers and toes for a good PGT report.
I also finally have some energy back this week, maybe because I'm no longer bleeding to death.
This is maybe TMI but can I just take a moment to talk about how freaking weird periods are? Like I go to sleep literally hemorrhaging, toilet bowl is red by the time I'm done peeing, but then I wake up and it's just... gone. Where did the rest of it go?! How can it just dry up like that? I guess it's like blowing your nose, once the snot is out then that's it? LOL I've wasted too many brain cells on this and I don't have enough to begin with.
TTC History:
Me: 36 MH: 39, TTC since Dec 2017
Aug '18: PCOS dx
Nov '18: MH SA - 19mil
Dec '18-Mar '19: Letrozole + TI - all BFN
Apr '19: Letrozole + TI, - BFN. Repeat SA (27mil) & DNA fragmentation test (17%)
@kiki047 Haha periods are SO WEIRD. I've been a little TMI myself here lately with my wonky period talk. I don't think it's talked about enough since we all go through it and have to deal with it on a monthly basis. And we all seem to have different experiences that might make us think we're "not normal" #normalizeperiodtalk
TTC History:
Me: 36 H: 40 Married 2015. Together since 2010. TTC: Sept 2016-Oct 2017 BFP Oct 2017. DD born July 2018. TTC: March 2020. BFP March 2020 Due date was Nov 2020 DS born Sept 2020. DS passed away Nov 2020 due to prematurity and birth trauma. TTC: March 2021 IUI #1 Nov 2021, BFN IUI #2 Dec 2021 BFP. MC Jan 2022 IUI #3 Aug 2022 BFN IUI #4 Sept 2022 BFN AMH test came back at .081. Was going to move on to IVF with DE, but have decided not to. Will be leaving it up to the universe now.
What you explaining is 100% on why I waffle on the PGT-A testing. I do know that one of my losses was genetically normal b/g twins, my others were natural losses so no testing was done on those.
TW in spoiler
@kiki047 I'm so freaking excited about 11 making it to freeze for you! I hope that your PGT-A results are amazing!
Joining the periods are WEIRD. I go to bed with no period and I wake up in a murder scene and I'm irritated about my messed up bedding. Come on give me some warning so I can put on the dark sheets and my ugly undies.
Spoiler for History
Me - 30 DH - 32
April 2009 - 8+ week MC January 2012 - BFP - DS Born 10/21/2012 May 2013 - BFP - Twins MMC @ 13 weeks D&C Oct 2013 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks Dec 2013 - BFP DD Born 8/16/14 - Cholestasis at 36+5 Nov 2016 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks Dec 2016 - BFP DD Born 6/19/17 @ 28+4 Severe Pre-E, IUGR, Cholestasis Nov 2017 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks Jan 2017 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks Jan 2019 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks DH Vasectomy Aug 2019 Feb 2022 - TTC #4 with IVF - RPL testing Protein C and S Deficiency - Blood Thinners for Treatment - Maybe we don't know! June 2022 - IVF - 2 embryos - 1 transfered 6/22/22 - Transfer Failed July 2022 - FET
My SIL just announced she is expecting her third at a family gathering today and I cried on my way there in the first place because I couldn’t have pizza at the pizza party because of my stupid PCOS and attempt to be gluten and dairy free gah
@kiki047 oh man those numbers are awesome. fx for really excellent pgt-a results, as well!
History
I am doing this on my own. Left ovary and fallopian tube removed due to cyst/necrosis just after birth. Right ovary and tube still purport to function.
Began TTC in Aug '18 @ age 35
5 or 6 (or 7?!) cycles using frozen donor sperm, ICI. All BFN
Mar-Jun '19 IUIs, all BFN
Began process of referral for RE in spring of '19, blood tests confirm low AMH (.54) but all else is good.
May '19 HSG shows open tube, but ultrasound suggests fibroids
MRI in June '19 confirms two large fibroids, one growing through wall of uterus
In June '19 I move from California to Oregon, disrupting my insurance, referrals, etc. 5 months spent piecing it all back together.
Nov. '19 attempted myomectomy (vaginal approach) failed. 2nd surgery using laparoscopic method in Jan '20 is successful.
April '20 --> June '20, natural IUIs, all BFN.
July? saline ultrasound and bubble test demonstrate open tube
July '20 clomid cycle cancelled for thin lining
Aug-Oct, 3 femara cycles, all BFN
RE referral. While waiting to set up an appointment Nov-Jan,I continue with natural cycles and ICI, using a known donor, BFN...
Jan '21 more bloodwork, AMH is worse (.30), FSH high albeit not catastrophic at 13.2. hysteroscopy all good. "looks cozy!" says the RE.
Feb '21, injectables (menopur, novarel), iui, BFN (doc said the frozen donor sperm sample had the "best numbers she'd ever seen!")
Mar '21, injectables, iui cancelled due to lack of follicles, converted to at home-insem. BFN
May '21, first IVF round cancelled due to cyst.
July '21 IVF: standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 7; 6 days of stims. 8 eggs retrieved, 7 mature, 5 fertilize, 4 made it to blast. 3 are 4AB, 1 is 4BB. PGT-A results all abnormal. Oct '21 somewhat improved AMH (.51) and significantly improved FSH (8.9). Maybe it's all the pills I swallow. Dec -21, standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 5; 11 days of stims. retrieval yields 5, 4M, 2 reach day-6 blast (4AB & 4BB). 1 low-level mosaic (chr. 3 deletion), 1 complex abnormal. Feb '22 FET (low-level mosaic): CP. May '22 egg retrieval, lupron flare protocol. HGH priming for 1 month before stims; md lupron 20/20u daily; menopur 225, follistim 225, 10k trigger after 8 days of stims; AFC 10; 13 retrieved; 10 mature; 8 fertilized. All frozen at 2PN for later thaw, grow, and biopsy. July '22 egg retrieval same protocol: 9 days of stims; AFC 8; 10 retrieved, 8 mature, 4 fertilized and frozen. Sept '22 ER same protocol: AFC 10; 12 retrieved, 11 mature, 11 fertilized. From the 3 retrievals, 7 survived to day 5-6 blastocyst, from which I have 2 normal embryos! Jan 20, Fully medicated FET, baby aspirin, dexamethasone, acupuncture, and as much woo as I can stand (which isn't very much). BFN. July 23, Natural FET + baby aspirin. BFN.
Re: IF Testing & Treatment w/o 4/18
Oct '21 somewhat improved AMH (.51) and significantly improved FSH (8.9). Maybe it's all the pills I swallow.
Dec -21, standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 5; 11 days of stims. retrieval yields 5, 4M, 2 reach day-6 blast (4AB & 4BB). 1 low-level mosaic (chr. 3 deletion), 1 complex abnormal.
Feb '22 FET (low-level mosaic): CP.
May '22 egg retrieval, lupron flare protocol. HGH priming for 1 month before stims; md lupron 20/20u daily; menopur 225, follistim 225, 10k trigger after 8 days of stims; AFC 10; 13 retrieved; 10 mature; 8 fertilized. All frozen at 2PN for later thaw, grow, and biopsy.
July '22 egg retrieval same protocol: 9 days of stims; AFC 8; 10 retrieved, 8 mature, 4 fertilized and frozen.
Sept '22 ER same protocol: AFC 10; 12 retrieved, 11 mature, 11 fertilized.
From the 3 retrievals, 7 survived to day 5-6 blastocyst, from which I have 2 normal embryos!
Jan 20, Fully medicated FET, baby aspirin, dexamethasone, acupuncture, and as much woo as I can stand (which isn't very much). BFN.
July 23, Natural FET + baby aspirin. BFN.
@optimistgardener ooh ooh friend, it sounds like we're going to be doing microdose lupron protocols right around the same time (I start May 6th), but for two entirely different reasons. Iiinteresting! I'm excited that your next round is finally here, after feeling like this was way way off in the distance, like a tiny dot on the horizon. Keeping everything crossed for this cycle. FWIW, I've heard of some really good results from the omnitrope priming in my social media circles.
@gingermama29 oh yay, glad you were able to trigger without any other cyst drama. FX!! Also, your attic/craft room reno looks amazing so far. Great job! That'll be such an awesome space for you when it's all finished.
@tryingktogku that's so annoying that your body is stubbornly refusing to ovulate. I've been there, and it's frustrating. As others have mentioned, clomid does build up in the body over time so hopefully it'll work for you next cycle. You mentioned letrozole isn't an option, have you tried it before or your clinic won't use it...? Often letrozole works better for women with PCOS, but that's not always the case.
@mambo5-2 tbh, I know you were hoping for answers from the tests but at the end of the day it's still a good thing you don't have a genetic clotting disorder after all. I may have "answers" for the primary cause of my infertility (PCOS, some MFI) but we don't have a clear answer and therefore no clear treatment plan for my RIF and it's maddening. So much of this process is just trial and error. Hopefully you'll keep learning more about what's going on as you move through the IVF process. It'll be here before you know it.
@bearmomma1 +1 for period from hell. Post-IVF periods are murderous and angry, and therefore my mood mimicked those sentiments. How did your US go on Monday?
@anniemarie887 I'm Meredith Grey-sighing to your ever-so-slowly dropping betas... Dunno if you're a Greys fan but I'm feeling all her dark and twisty energy these days, knowing that I'll eventually come back.
@abjm0325 I'm snort-laughing at your visual of optimist's sweet little velour-clad ovary on a park bench
Also, +1 to doing what YOU need to do for work. Completely understand feeling responsible after your boss up and left but that didn't have anything to do with you.
AFM, ugh, yes, the anesthesia stuff was pretty messed up. Thankfully I didn't feel anything when I woke up in the middle, I just have some hazy memories of looking around and then everything went black again. No harm no foul, other than being a tiny bit traumatized every time it happens.
I went in for my baseline yesterday and we're adding something new this time. I'm on BCP for 3 weeks, then we overlap with microdose lupron starting in the last 4 days of BCP and continuing for ~2 weeks, after which we'll add back in the same protocol I was on for my last FET (estradiol, PIO - castor oil this time instead of ethyl oleate, 15mg prednisone, BA, Fragmin, Neupogen, PRP, intralipids, HCG wash, embryo glue).
We got our Day 6 results, and we're happy with how things are going so far:
We're hoping to have around 8-10 to send for PGT-A testing again. Results should take about 2-3 weeks.
@abjm0325 to answer your question, IVF attrition rates are brutal and ruthless - they say 80% of retrieved eggs should be mature, of which 60-80% might fertilize. I think the rate of fertilized eggs that make it to Day 3 (which is in the 6-8 cell range) is fairly high, but then only 30-50% of those will make it to Day 5/6 when they become blastocysts. Of that, depending on age, 30-50% of the blastocysts will be PGT-A normal (euploid). I'm 35, so they say 50% should be euploid and we've found that to be pretty much the case for us so far. My full IVF history is in my siggy but I'm hoping for 4-5 euploid when all is said and done.
TTC History:
Me: 36 MH: 39, TTC since Dec 2017
Aug '18: PCOS dx
Nov '18: MH SA - 19mil
Dec '18-Mar '19: Letrozole + TI - all BFN
Apr '19: Letrozole + TI, - BFN. Repeat SA (27mil) & DNA fragmentation test (17%)
Aug '19: Letrozole + HCG trigger + IUI + prog supp - BFN (MH: 16mil)
Sep '19: 2nd IUI, same protocol - BFN (MH: 16mil)
Dec '19: IVF #1 w/ICSI, PGT. 5 retrieved, 4 fertilized, 3 blasts, 3 PGT-A normal.
Mar '20: FET #1, perfect 5AA blast transferred. BFN.
Sept '20: FET #2, 5BB tsf. 9/18/20 BFP!! EDD: 5/27/21. MMC 11w
Feb ‘21: FET #3, last 6BB blast transferred. BFP, EDD 11/2/21. MC 5w3d.
May '21: IVF #2 w/ICSI, PGT. 8R, 7M, 6F, 6 blasts - 3AB, 3AB, 3BB, 4BB, 5BB, 6BA. Fresh tsf 5/13/21 - BFN.
June '21: PGT-A results = 3 abnormal, 1 low level mosaic. Referred to new REI, had consult with 2nd RE in between.
Sept '21: RPL, immune testing normal
Oct '21: IVF #3 w/IMSI, PGT. 33R, 26M, 23F, 9 blasts (7 day 6, 2 day 7). PGT-A = 5 normal, 1 mosaic
Dec '21: Positive for endometritis, RX Flagyl & Keflex
Jan '22: FET #5 - Kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol incl. PRP, intralipids, prednisone, medrol, nivestym, fragmin - CP
Feb '22: FET #6 - Kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol w/higher doses of pred & fragmin - BFN
Mar '22: Mock cycle for ERA - cancelled, repeat endometrial biopsy instead. Still positive for endometritis. RX ciprofloxacin & amoxicillin.
Apr '22: IVF #4 w/IMSI, PGT. 28R, 23M, 16F, 11 blasts. PGT-A = 6 normal.
June '22: FET #7 - Microdose lupron downreg w/kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol - double embryo transfer. BFN.
July '22: FET #8 - Mini stim w/Puregon + trigger, kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol. BFN.
Sep '22: Taking a break
Dec '22: Attempted abdominal myomectomy, fibroid too close to cervix and major blood vessels. Wasn't removed.
Feb '23: FET #9 - Modified natural w/baby asp, HCG trigger, PIO, PRP, Medrol, HCG wash, embryo glue - BFP!! EDD 11/11/23
We have to decide if we are going to do PGT-A testing. I am thinking no but I waffle on this regularly. My RE says I don't need to.
April 2009 - 8+ week MC
January 2012 - BFP - DS Born 10/21/2012
May 2013 - BFP - Twins MMC @ 13 weeks D&C
Oct 2013 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks
Dec 2013 - BFP DD Born 8/16/14 - Cholestasis at 36+5
Nov 2016 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks
Dec 2016 - BFP DD Born 6/19/17 @ 28+4 Severe Pre-E, IUGR, Cholestasis
Nov 2017 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks
Jan 2017 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks
Jan 2019 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks
DH Vasectomy Aug 2019
Feb 2022 - TTC #4 with IVF - RPL testing
Protein C and S Deficiency - Blood Thinners for Treatment - Maybe we don't know!
June 2022 - IVF - 2 embryos - 1 transfered 6/22/22 - Transfer Failed
July 2022 - FET
Oct '21 somewhat improved AMH (.51) and significantly improved FSH (8.9). Maybe it's all the pills I swallow.
Dec -21, standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 5; 11 days of stims. retrieval yields 5, 4M, 2 reach day-6 blast (4AB & 4BB). 1 low-level mosaic (chr. 3 deletion), 1 complex abnormal.
Feb '22 FET (low-level mosaic): CP.
May '22 egg retrieval, lupron flare protocol. HGH priming for 1 month before stims; md lupron 20/20u daily; menopur 225, follistim 225, 10k trigger after 8 days of stims; AFC 10; 13 retrieved; 10 mature; 8 fertilized. All frozen at 2PN for later thaw, grow, and biopsy.
July '22 egg retrieval same protocol: 9 days of stims; AFC 8; 10 retrieved, 8 mature, 4 fertilized and frozen.
Sept '22 ER same protocol: AFC 10; 12 retrieved, 11 mature, 11 fertilized.
From the 3 retrievals, 7 survived to day 5-6 blastocyst, from which I have 2 normal embryos!
Jan 20, Fully medicated FET, baby aspirin, dexamethasone, acupuncture, and as much woo as I can stand (which isn't very much). BFN.
July 23, Natural FET + baby aspirin. BFN.
April 2009 - 8+ week MC
January 2012 - BFP - DS Born 10/21/2012
May 2013 - BFP - Twins MMC @ 13 weeks D&C
Oct 2013 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks
Dec 2013 - BFP DD Born 8/16/14 - Cholestasis at 36+5
Nov 2016 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks
Dec 2016 - BFP DD Born 6/19/17 @ 28+4 Severe Pre-E, IUGR, Cholestasis
Nov 2017 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks
Jan 2017 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks
Jan 2019 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks
DH Vasectomy Aug 2019
Feb 2022 - TTC #4 with IVF - RPL testing
Protein C and S Deficiency - Blood Thinners for Treatment - Maybe we don't know!
June 2022 - IVF - 2 embryos - 1 transfered 6/22/22 - Transfer Failed
July 2022 - FET
Oct '21 somewhat improved AMH (.51) and significantly improved FSH (8.9). Maybe it's all the pills I swallow.
Dec -21, standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 5; 11 days of stims. retrieval yields 5, 4M, 2 reach day-6 blast (4AB & 4BB). 1 low-level mosaic (chr. 3 deletion), 1 complex abnormal.
Feb '22 FET (low-level mosaic): CP.
May '22 egg retrieval, lupron flare protocol. HGH priming for 1 month before stims; md lupron 20/20u daily; menopur 225, follistim 225, 10k trigger after 8 days of stims; AFC 10; 13 retrieved; 10 mature; 8 fertilized. All frozen at 2PN for later thaw, grow, and biopsy.
July '22 egg retrieval same protocol: 9 days of stims; AFC 8; 10 retrieved, 8 mature, 4 fertilized and frozen.
Sept '22 ER same protocol: AFC 10; 12 retrieved, 11 mature, 11 fertilized.
From the 3 retrievals, 7 survived to day 5-6 blastocyst, from which I have 2 normal embryos!
Jan 20, Fully medicated FET, baby aspirin, dexamethasone, acupuncture, and as much woo as I can stand (which isn't very much). BFN.
July 23, Natural FET + baby aspirin. BFN.
The good news is we were able to biopsy and freeze 4 more, for a total of 11! I'm very happy with this result, it's 2 more than we got last time, and more than I ever expected to get. Now we cross all our fingers and toes for a good PGT report.
I also finally have some energy back this week, maybe because I'm no longer bleeding to death.
This is maybe TMI but can I just take a moment to talk about how freaking weird periods are? Like I go to sleep literally hemorrhaging, toilet bowl is red by the time I'm done peeing, but then I wake up and it's just... gone. Where did the rest of it go?! How can it just dry up like that? I guess it's like blowing your nose, once the snot is out then that's it? LOL I've wasted too many brain cells on this and I don't have enough to begin with.
TTC History:
Me: 36 MH: 39, TTC since Dec 2017
Aug '18: PCOS dx
Nov '18: MH SA - 19mil
Dec '18-Mar '19: Letrozole + TI - all BFN
Apr '19: Letrozole + TI, - BFN. Repeat SA (27mil) & DNA fragmentation test (17%)
Aug '19: Letrozole + HCG trigger + IUI + prog supp - BFN (MH: 16mil)
Sep '19: 2nd IUI, same protocol - BFN (MH: 16mil)
Dec '19: IVF #1 w/ICSI, PGT. 5 retrieved, 4 fertilized, 3 blasts, 3 PGT-A normal.
Mar '20: FET #1, perfect 5AA blast transferred. BFN.
Sept '20: FET #2, 5BB tsf. 9/18/20 BFP!! EDD: 5/27/21. MMC 11w
Feb ‘21: FET #3, last 6BB blast transferred. BFP, EDD 11/2/21. MC 5w3d.
May '21: IVF #2 w/ICSI, PGT. 8R, 7M, 6F, 6 blasts - 3AB, 3AB, 3BB, 4BB, 5BB, 6BA. Fresh tsf 5/13/21 - BFN.
June '21: PGT-A results = 3 abnormal, 1 low level mosaic. Referred to new REI, had consult with 2nd RE in between.
Sept '21: RPL, immune testing normal
Oct '21: IVF #3 w/IMSI, PGT. 33R, 26M, 23F, 9 blasts (7 day 6, 2 day 7). PGT-A = 5 normal, 1 mosaic
Dec '21: Positive for endometritis, RX Flagyl & Keflex
Jan '22: FET #5 - Kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol incl. PRP, intralipids, prednisone, medrol, nivestym, fragmin - CP
Feb '22: FET #6 - Kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol w/higher doses of pred & fragmin - BFN
Mar '22: Mock cycle for ERA - cancelled, repeat endometrial biopsy instead. Still positive for endometritis. RX ciprofloxacin & amoxicillin.
Apr '22: IVF #4 w/IMSI, PGT. 28R, 23M, 16F, 11 blasts. PGT-A = 6 normal.
June '22: FET #7 - Microdose lupron downreg w/kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol - double embryo transfer. BFN.
July '22: FET #8 - Mini stim w/Puregon + trigger, kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol. BFN.
Sep '22: Taking a break
Dec '22: Attempted abdominal myomectomy, fibroid too close to cervix and major blood vessels. Wasn't removed.
Feb '23: FET #9 - Modified natural w/baby asp, HCG trigger, PIO, PRP, Medrol, HCG wash, embryo glue - BFP!! EDD 11/11/23
TTC: Sept 2016-Oct 2017
BFP Oct 2017. DD born July 2018.
TTC: March 2020. BFP March 2020
Due date was Nov 2020
DS born Sept 2020. DS passed away Nov 2020 due to prematurity and birth trauma.
TTC: March 2021
IUI #1 Nov 2021, BFN
IUI #2 Dec 2021 BFP. MC Jan 2022
IUI #3 Aug 2022 BFN
IUI #4 Sept 2022 BFN
AMH test came back at .081. Was going to move on to IVF with DE, but have decided not to. Will be leaving it up to the universe now.
@kiki047 I'm so freaking excited about 11 making it to freeze for you! I hope that your PGT-A results are amazing!
Joining the periods are WEIRD. I go to bed with no period and I wake up in a murder scene and I'm irritated about my messed up bedding. Come on give me some warning so I can put on the dark sheets and my ugly undies.
April 2009 - 8+ week MC
January 2012 - BFP - DS Born 10/21/2012
May 2013 - BFP - Twins MMC @ 13 weeks D&C
Oct 2013 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks
Dec 2013 - BFP DD Born 8/16/14 - Cholestasis at 36+5
Nov 2016 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks
Dec 2016 - BFP DD Born 6/19/17 @ 28+4 Severe Pre-E, IUGR, Cholestasis
Nov 2017 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks
Jan 2017 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks
Jan 2019 - BFP MC @ 6 weeks
DH Vasectomy Aug 2019
Feb 2022 - TTC #4 with IVF - RPL testing
Protein C and S Deficiency - Blood Thinners for Treatment - Maybe we don't know!
June 2022 - IVF - 2 embryos - 1 transfered 6/22/22 - Transfer Failed
July 2022 - FET
Relevant article in today's edition of NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/20/health/pgta-ivf-pregnancy-test.html?
TTC#2
TTC #2 ... preparing as of March 2024
TTC #1
TTC #1 02/2020 - 07/2022
2009 | Dx PCOS; likely a misdiagnosis
07/14/20 | Dx Hashimoto's Thyroditis
07/21/20 | 1st RE appointment
07/2120 - 08/20/20 | so much testing; no signs of PCOS
08/20/20 | Dx Unexplained; AMA
09/08/20 | IUI #1 Clomid + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
09/30/20 | Urology consult; more testing required
10/2020 | Clomid + OPK + TI + Prometrium | BFN
10/26/2020 | Starting 2nd IUI cycle, with Letrazole and with a new RE / different clinic
11/03/2020 | New Dx "poor egg quality"; IUI cancelled in favor of Trigger + TI + Prometrium | BFN
11/26/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Menopur) + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
12/20/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Gonal-F) + Trigger | IUI Cancelled due to thin lining; TI only | BFN
01/14/2021 | Combo IUI (Letrazole + Menopur) + Trigger | BFN
02/06/2021 | Switched to a new RE (TEW) ; trying naturally until we complete additional testing
03/14/2021 | Hybrid Double IUI, with Zymot (Letrazole, Gonal-F) + Trigger + Endometrin | Ovulated 4 mature eggs but still a BFN ☹️
04/07/2021 | Natural cycle while we regroup | BFN
04/09/2021 | Employer announces fertility benefits starting 05/01/2021! | Search for a new doctor who accepts insurance
05/10/2021 | New RE consult & plan for IVF
05/13/2021 | Mid-luteal IVF cycle #1 interrupted; had to get cancer genetic screening done to make sure I didn't have the same SDHA gene mutation as MH.
06/10/2021 | Aygestin priming IVF cycle #1; opted to Cx after 9 days of stims since only 5-6/12 follicles responded
07/26/2021 | Attempt #2 at IVF cycle #1 (mid-luteal start): 8 retrieved, 8 MII, 6 fert (1 PN3), 3 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 3AA, 3AA, 6AB; 3 euploid
08/09/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC | Shockingly, a BFP! EDD: 5/25/202 | CP at 4w4d
09/23/2021 | IVF cycle #2 (mid-luteal start): 14 retrieved, 13 MII, 11 fert, 5 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 2 x 3AA, 2 x 3AB, 3BB; 2 euploid
11/12/2021 | IVF cycle #3 (mid-luteal start): cancelled due to ovaries being on vacation
12/20/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + Pregmune Immunology Testing; BFN
01/22/2022 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + understanding uncovered immunological issues; BFN
02/18/2022 | Mock transfer cycle! ERA, ReceptivaDx, EMMA/ALICE; start Prednisone to address NK activity
03/16/2022 | Final, "Hail Mary" super-ovulation + TI cycle before FET; BFP! EDD: 12/21/2022 | MMC 05/08/2022
05/20/2022 | D&C; recovering...
06/21/2022 | Trying naturally until October 2022
07/21/2022 | BFP! EDD 04/02/2023; 👦🏼 born on 4/5/2023
Oct '21 somewhat improved AMH (.51) and significantly improved FSH (8.9). Maybe it's all the pills I swallow.
Dec -21, standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 5; 11 days of stims. retrieval yields 5, 4M, 2 reach day-6 blast (4AB & 4BB). 1 low-level mosaic (chr. 3 deletion), 1 complex abnormal.
Feb '22 FET (low-level mosaic): CP.
May '22 egg retrieval, lupron flare protocol. HGH priming for 1 month before stims; md lupron 20/20u daily; menopur 225, follistim 225, 10k trigger after 8 days of stims; AFC 10; 13 retrieved; 10 mature; 8 fertilized. All frozen at 2PN for later thaw, grow, and biopsy.
July '22 egg retrieval same protocol: 9 days of stims; AFC 8; 10 retrieved, 8 mature, 4 fertilized and frozen.
Sept '22 ER same protocol: AFC 10; 12 retrieved, 11 mature, 11 fertilized.
From the 3 retrievals, 7 survived to day 5-6 blastocyst, from which I have 2 normal embryos!
Jan 20, Fully medicated FET, baby aspirin, dexamethasone, acupuncture, and as much woo as I can stand (which isn't very much). BFN.
July 23, Natural FET + baby aspirin. BFN.